Na’ima B Robert is a trail-blazing speaker, coach and the best-selling author of From My Sisters’ Lips as well as over thirty other books that have been translated into over fourteen languages. She is the recipient of several literary awards and is a respected author of diverse works of fiction. Na’ima founded SISTERS magazine, and served as its editor-in-chief for ten years, touching the lives of thousands of readers and launching the careers of dozens of writers. As a high level coach and author career strategist, she uses her training and experience to help women all over the world show up strong, tell their stories and share their messages with the world. As the CEO of the Muslimah Author Project, her programmes help women with a message write their books and build exponential impact as authors and game-changers.
Robert will be speaking at the twelfth edition of the Muslimah Today conference, which will take place on Sunday, the 7th of September at the NMJ Islamic Centre. Tickets at R325 each, including meals and a goodie bag – are available at www.ilmsa.co.za/mt2025. Sponsored tickets are available for deserving women – WhatsApp 067 0568 975 for a sponsorship application form. General queries regarding the conference can be WhatsApped
Ahead of her appearance at the Muslimah Today Conference, we caught up with Na’ima B. Robert for an inspiring conversation on her journey, her work, and her message to women everywhere.
The Springfield Weekly Gazette (SWG):What inspired your love for writing and when did your writing journey begin?
Na’ima B. Robert(NBR): I loved books and stories from a young age, having been immersed in stories by my father. I wrote prolifically all through high school but it was never my plan to be a writer. That happened when I realised that there were hardly any books about Islam and Muslims in our local library – and I wanted my children to see themselves reflected in the books we read. Those early efforts resulted in my first book, ‘The Swirling Hijab’, being published.
SWG:Why is it important for Muslim women to tell their stories?
NBR: We still have so many stories left untold – stories of faith, of history, of challenges, of triumphs. If we don’t tell them, who will?
SWG:Your main topic at Muslimah Today is “The silver lining: navigating through life’s tests and trials.” Tell us more about this – what will you be talking about and will you be drawing on personal experience, if so what?
NBR: This life is full of tests and trials – this is something we all know. But how can we navigate them without losing ourselves? Without losing faith in God? Without losing ourselves? In my life, I have experienced my share of losses and I have learned a thing or two about how to navigate tests. This is the cheat code to life and Allah lays it all out for us. That is what I will be sharing during my talk.
SWG: You have lived in both the UK and Zimbabwe. Which is home for you and why?
NBR: Definitely Zimbabwe! I spent my formative years in Harare, from age 6 to 18, and almost every aspect of my personality was born in the Zim school system, especially my public speaking and leadership traits. However, the UK was where my Muslim personality was shaped so I have a soft spot for the British Muslim community and am so grateful for the work I get to do there.
SWG:You are regularly traversing the world, sharing knowledge with various audiences around the world, plus writing, whilst being a single mum. How do you manage to do it all?
NBR: After God’s grace, I am so grateful for the support of my family, my team and organisers who help me create a schedule that allows me to be present with my family and also make an impact internationally. But with increased exposure come increased opportunities and that can be a challenge when you have teenagers at home who need you. It’s important to be crystal clear on your vision so that you know what to say no to.
SWG:What are you most looking forward to about Muslimah Today?
NBR: I’m looking forward to meeting the amazing Muslimah Today family and learning from the other speakers. I am also looking forward to showing my girls around Durban as they haven’t visited my parents’ hometown before!
